Expand Your Mind

The war on drugs is fought on many fronts and with many weapons. There was the great battle of frying pan vs. egg, which was followed by the battle of frying pan vs. entire kitchen. An earlier generation saw that war being fought by Nancy Reagan on Diff'rent Strokes, and her famous exhortation to "Just Say No." Sadly, this was superseded by Nike's "Just Do It" campaign, which really had more to do with shoes than drugs, but a drug-addled America was easily confused. But even prior to Nancy and Arnold laying down the law, film was used to warn the youth about the dangers of drugs — and many of these films are unintentionally hilarious. This Is Your Brain on Ciné 16, a special selection of well-known, odd and sometimes ridiculous drug education films, screens at 7 p.m. tonight at the Missouri History Museum (Lindell Boulevard and DeBaliviere Avenue; 314-746-4599 or www.mohistory.org). Admission is free, and you can purchase popcorn, candy and soft drinks at the concession stand.
Thu., Sept. 18, 2008